California

In Loving Memory Of Stasia Gorczyca

February 9th, 2018

In Loving Memory of
Stasia B. Gorczyca
February 6, 1930 - December 18, 2001

MY MOTHER INSTILLED IN ME the love of music. When I was 3 1/2 years old, she started teaching me the piano. When I was 8, I began flute lessons and together, my mother and I took an incredible musical journey.

At 12, I joined my mother, a violinist in the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra, in playing Smetana Moldau Suite. My flute teacher, Faust Fiore, was first flute, and I was second. In High School we also played together in the Fall River Symphony, where I was first flute and Mom played second violin not far from my seat.

My mother was in the audience of my every musical adventure: All Eastern Orchestra, under the baton of Benjamin Zander, Young Artist Showcase, WQXR New York, Carnegie Hall with the MIT Symphony Orchestra, Longwood Symphony Orchestra — every competition and recital. We had a great time.

In Boston, when I was a dental student at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, I had some great flute teachers. These included Louis Moyse, Claude Monteaux, John Heiss, and Lois Schaefer of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. I used to practice 2 hours a day during dental school and am still occasionally referred to as “the flute girl of Vanderbilt Hall.”

My mother was principal violinist of the New Bedford Symphony Orchestra when she was in high school. At the very end of her life, she was the very last 2nd violinist. I used to kid her and say “Mom, you’re almost behind the curtain!” She would say “I don’t care, I’m still playing!

I’m happy to report that my son Richard, age 12, has now been playing the violin for 8 years. On Saturdays, he is a student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in the Pre-College Division studying music theory, violin, chamber music, and playing in the orchestra.

Please honor Stasia by supporting the Stasia Gorczyca Endowment Fund:

Stasia Gorczyca Endowment Fund
New Bedford Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 2053
New Bedford, Massachusetts 02741

Your Healthy Smile Timeline: Ages 40-60

December 14th, 2017

IT’S TIME TO TALK ABOUT 40–60 YEAR OLD SMILES in our Healthy Smile Timeline Series! And again, don’t forget that if YOU don’t fall into this category share this post with someone who does—a family member, coworker, parent or friend. Great oral health is important for everyone, whether or not you have braces.

Must-Dos, Ages 40–60:

  • It’s estimated that up to three-quarters of adults over age 35 have some degree of gum disease. This can usually be prevented with flossing and brushing, but if it has already progressed, you may need extra care. Talk to your dental team if you’re experiencing bleeding gums.
  • Some research shows that bad oral health may be linked to systemic problems like heart disease, dementia, diabetes, and stroke. Keep your whole body healthy by keeping your mouth healthy.

Should-Dos, Ages 40–60:

  • Restorative treatments (such as crowns and dental fillings) are more convenient, comfortable, and affordable than ever before. Do you have old, badly worn dental work? It may be time to replace those old fillings or crowns before they crack and cause discomfort.
  • No, you’re not too old for braces! Over 20% of orthodontic patients are adults. It’s never too late to get the stunning smile you deserve.

Could-Dos, Ages 40–60:

  • Studies show that people look younger when they smile. And the AAO (American Association of Orthodontists) recently reported that most Americans 50 and over believe that a smile overcomes the effects of aging more effectively than any other physical attribute.

Take Care Of Your Smile And It Will Take Care Of You!

You’re in the prime of life. Stay the course, stick to your great oral health habits, and don’t neglect your regular check-ups. Through preventative care you really can keep your healthy smile for life. Take good care of your smile now to prevent problems down the road.

If you have any questions about tips mentioned in this post, don’t hesitate to ask us about it. Call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925)757-9000 in Antioch, California to schedule your free orthodontics exam. Visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

As always, thanks for your continued trust in our practice! We appreciate having you as our valued patient.

We Care About You Very Much at Gorczyca Orthodontics

December 6th, 2016

AT GORCZYCA ORTHODONTICS, we personally care about each and every one of our patients.

We Provide Personalized Care

We are not a huge chain. We have only one excellent doctor, six assistants and six treatment chairs. Five chairs are scheduled with patients. Each patient has their own assigned dental assistant serving them throughout their appointment. We have one over flow chair so we are never without a chair or in a rush for your appointment to end.

After you are seated, Dr. Gorcyzca will be briefed before she examines you. She will make a recommendation for your adjustment and your next appointment. We will always ask if there is anything more we can do for you before you are dismissed.

We Love Getting To Know Our Patients!

It's great to know you! At your initial exam we ask "Tell Us About Yourself." We start our treatment by getting to know you and addressing your orthodontic concerns. We aim to treat each patient, one at a time, with tender loving care.

There is only one orthodontist at Gorczyca Orthodontics. Dr. Gorczyca diagnoses and plans treatment for each and every case personally. She is Board Certified, in the Angle Society, a university professor, and has over 25 years experience and has treated over 10,000 orthodontic patients successfully.

Each Patient Is Unique

Every bite is unique and every person is special. This is one of the things that makes our work at Gorczyca Orthodontics so rewarding.

Dr. Gorczyca will communicate closely with your general dentist about your orthodontic care. It is important for you to have regular dental cleanings during treatment. Restorative and cosmetic treatment procedures and oral surgery and periodontal care will be coordinated with your orthodontic treatment.

We honor our relationship with you, the customer. We will work hard to give you personalized care and a beautiful smile. We look forward to seeing you soon. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925)757-9000.

You're just a phone call away from a beautiful smile.

What’s Your Favorite Thanksgiving Food? Here Are Ours!

November 16th, 2016

THANKSGIVING IS just around the corner! Not only is it a time to share good company, it’s a time to share good food!

It’s Time To Share Our Favorite Thanksgiving Dishes!

Each family has their own signature dish they serve this time of year. Today, we’d like to share some of our team member’s favorites!

Dana: My favorite dish is scalloped potatoes. We slice potatoes thin and bake them with cheese and milk. They're delicious!

Jolene: I love Pecan Pie. It's my favorite!

Pam: The stuffing is fantastic. We make homemade stuffing with turkey giblets and add the turkey gravy. It is my favorite thing to eat.

Dr. Gorczyca: I just love the mashed potatoes with gravy. If that were the only think I ate at Thanksgiving I would be happy. I get hungry just thinking about it! Let's not forget the cranberry sauce as well. It just wouldn't be Thanksgiving without cranberry sauce.

Veronica and Roberta: Turkey, plain and simple. This by far was our most popular answer of all team members and even our patients. The turkey is what makes Thanksgiving special. "It also puts me to sleep so I need to take a nap after I eat Thanksgiving turkey!"

Special patient: Sweet Potatoes. Sweet potatoes make me say "Yum!"

Very special patient: Ham with pineapples. I love it so much I even eat it at Thanksgiving!

Do you have a favorite holiday recipe? Feel free to share it with us on our Facebook page or in the comments below!

Do you need help picking the perfect turkey? Maybe Marta Stewart can help!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g7eMosK54Sc

Have A Happy Thanksgiving!

There you have it, our Thanksgiving favorites. Wishing you a very special Thanksgiving from all of us at Gorczyca Orthodontics.

Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, California www.clubbraces.com

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Top image by Flickr user jeffreyw used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

There's No Need for a Snaggletooth

October 27th, 2016

THE UPPER CANINE TOOTH, cuspid tooth, or pointed "eye tooth" is the last front tooth to come into the front upper dental arch. When space runs out, this gets pushed out of position. This tooth may become impacted in bone, stuck, and not come in at all. Or, it may push its way out and over the other teeth making its way into the dental arch. It is now hypererupted. It appears as a "Snaggletooth."

Dental Arch Expansion Can Prevent A Snaggletooth

If orthodontic treatment is started early, dental arches can be expanded to prevent the creation of a snaggletooth. This is why the American Association of Orthodontists and all orthodontists recommend an orthodontic examination by age 7.

In Some Cases, Tooth Extraction Is Necessary

In adults, depending on bone, soft tissue or gums, tooth position and facial appearance, snaggletooth treatment may require tooth extraction. The snaggletooth is a very important tooth with a long root. It is usually the tooth behind it which need removal.

We Love Helping Our Patients Make The Most Of Their Smiles!

To find out how orthodontics can help you prevent snaggletooth in the first place, visit Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Please schedule your child's examination by age 7. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary exam.

See your orthodontist if you need help with a Snaggletooth. Here's to your happiness and living snaggle free.

Top image by Flickr user Mark Anderson used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

PROPEL®: Your Smile Made Faster

October 6th, 2016

WHO DOESN’T WANT straight teeth and a beautiful smile? We all do! For those of you who have put off orthodontic treatment in the past due to lengthy treatment time, we have the solution for you. We offer the PROPEL® system at our practice to give you your dream smile in half the time!

What Is The Propel System?

Orthodontics works by changing and remodeling the bones that surround your teeth. Using the Propel system, we can accelerate the process of bone remodeling, causing your teeth to move more quickly.

The FDA approved Propel system uses a medical device to stimulate the bone surrounding teeth. Used in conjunction with orthodontic systems like invisible aligners and traditional braces, straightening teeth becomes quicker and more efficient.

The minimally invasive Propel procedure is performed in minutes here at our practice. Patients can return to their daily schedule and activities with no needed recovery time!

Here’s Why You Should Consider Propel

Because it works! If you’ve put off straightening your teeth, now is the time to do it. With Propel orthodontics, getting the smile you’ve always wanted is faster and more efficient than ever.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqECorIo2Sg

Propel is especially effective in the treatment of impacted canine teeth. An impacted tooth makes a long journey through thick bone. This journey can sometimes take up to a year for your tooth to come into it's ideal position. Working with your oral surgeon at the time of canine exposure, your bone can be softened by Propel, like making tiny cracks in ice, so that your tooth can move it's way through the bone more easily, quickly, and comfortably while shortening your orthodontic treatment time.

Propel can also be effectively used with Invisalign. Using Propel will allow you to change your trays every week rather than every two weeks, cutting your treatment time in half.

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we like to offer Propel at the time of wisdom tooth extraction. We work with your oral surgeon to complete the Propel procedure while under anesthesia so you don't even feel that you have had it done!

With Propel, You Don’t Have To Waste Any Time

Our goal is to provide the best orthodontic care to our patients. That’s why we offer Propel in our practice. With the Propel system, you can straighten your teeth in half the time! Don’t let drawn-out treatment times keep you from getting your dream smile.

If you have questions about Propel or accelerated orthodontics, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000. Find us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

Here's to your beautiful Propel smile!

Talk to us about Propel today!

Our patients are our priority!

Top image by Propel Orthodontics. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Gap Problem? No Problem!

September 29th, 2016

A SPACE BETWEEN front teeth is very common. It called a diastema. Diastemas are often caused by thick tissue between the front teeth. This skin keeps your teeth apart and is called a maxillary frenum. Thick frenums are often hereditary and can be common in families.

How Do You Correct A Diastema?

A diastema is easy to close with orthodontic treatment. Short-term treatment may be braces, Invisalign, aligners, or removal appliances. Additional therapies may be required for ideal cosmetic results after closing a diastema. These may include veneers, lumineers, composites, or crowns. Periodontal therapy for removal of tissue, a frenectomy or gingivectomy, is often needed to help the space stay closed permanently after closing a diastema.

We Ensure The Gap Stays Closed

Your orthodontist may place a wire behind your front teeth to insure that your diastema stays closed. This bonded lingual wire is a permanent retainer. Care must be given not to bite hard foods with your permanent retainer to prevent it from breaking.

If you have questions about tooth gap closure call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 for a complimentary consultation. Find us at www.clubbraces.com. To find an orthodontist in your area visit the American Associaton of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Don't let a tooth gap keep you from smiling. Gap problem, no problem! Here's to your beautiful smile.

Top image by Flickr user Very Quiet used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

September 22nd, 2016

EVERYTHING'S PUMPKIN SPICE this time of year at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California.

Once the colder weather arrives, morning patients visit our refreshment center for a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Pumpkin spice coffee is part of our menu. Add a little whipped cream, sprinkles, and a side cinnamon roll and Viola! You're in pumpkin spice heaven!

Enjoy A Refreshment In Our Office

On Fridays, for your convenience, Gorczyca Orthodontics opens at 8:00 a.m. If you need a little relaxation, come early or stay late for your appointment and enjoy a refreshment. We love seeing you, taking care of you, and talking with you. We consider you part of our orthodontic family.

Hospitality is a core value at Gorczyca Orthodontics. We strive for clinical excellence, outstanding customer service, and a great patient experience. We are committed to making your orthodontic visits the best possible.

Take time to let us know how we can make your stay and treatment at Gorczyca Orthodontics even more enjoyable. Give us your customer feedback and let us know how we may serve you best.

Come Visit Us Today!

Gorczyca Orthodontics is located at 5201 Deer Valley Road in Antioch, California. Call us at (925) 757-9000 or find us at www.clubbraces.com for your orthodontic needs.

We appreciate you and your referrals of family and friends to our practice. We look forward to seeing you soon and sharing some pumpkin spice and everything nice.

Top image by Flickr user hirotomo t used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Avoid Cracking a Tooth

September 12th, 2016

I REMEMBER it like it were yesterday. Finishing my lunch at a nearby Mexican restaurant, I decided to freshen my breath and have a little sweet after lunch by chewing on a gum ball from the gum ball machine. So, I put the money in, took the gum ball, and bit down.

Within seconds of biting down, I had cracked a tooth.

Even Tough Teeth Can Be Cracked

Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, teeth can still be cracked. It is best to avoid foods and activities that are known to crack teeth. These include:

  • Chewing on ice
  • Biting down on unpopped popcorn kernels
  • Using teeth as tools
  • Chewing on hard sweets

Hard candy including gum balls, jawbreakers, and frozen candy bars can easily crack your teeth. The sugar also can lead to increased cavites.

Don't Worry, It Can Be Fixed!

My tooth was fix by Antioch dentist Dr. Ken Dupree who gave me a gold crown on an upper second molar.

If you have a cracked tooth, let us help you at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Call us at (925) 757-9000 or find us at www.clubbraces.com. We will help you get the dental care you need so your tooth will be good as new.

Avoid cracked teeth by avoiding gum balls. Here's to your dental health.

Follow Us On Twitter

July 26th, 2016

OK... If you’re already a Twitter user, you get it... So, just follow us!

If you’re NOT using Twitter yet, you’re probably thinking, “What the heck is Twitter, and why should I care?!”

We understand, and here’s a quick course:

Twitter Is A Real-Time Information Network...

that connects you with information you find interesting. Small bursts of information (140 characters in length) called Tweets share a lot in a little space. Connected to each Tweet are linked rich details, deeper context, and embedded media.

You Don’t Have To Tweet To Get Value From Twitter

Whether YOU CHOOSE to tweet a lot, OR NEVER, you still have access to the voices and information that interests you. You can contribute, or just listen in and retrieve.

Why Follow Our Practice On Twitter?

You may be asking yourself, “Why use Twitter at all, when there are already so many other distractions in my life?” Good question. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll learn from little tiny snippets. Life is busy. Sometimes there’s no time to sit down and read a newspaper article, magazine story, or lengthy blog post. You may be sitting, waiting for somebody, and have a couple minutes. Our Twitter stream provides meaningful info and/or links to things you can consume and benefit from in a minute or two.

Whether or not you are already a Twitter user, you can click on the icon below to see our Twitter feed or follow us on Twitter @DrGorczyca or @GorczycaOrtho. Then, you can decide if you’d like to sign up for your own Twitter account!

You can also find us at Gorczyca Orthodontics www.clubbraces.com at 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A in Antioch, California 94531 or call us at (925) 757-9000.

As your lifelong oral health partner, we want to be accessible to you in as many ways as possible, and to connect with you in whatever ways are BEST FOR YOU! As always, thanks for being our valued patient.

Expand Your Dental Horizons by Eliminating Crossbites

July 6th, 2016

WHEN PRESENT, they lead to excessive tooth wear and dark smiles. They cause you to bite your lips and cheeks. They even limit your jaw function. Any way you look at it, crossbites are not good for your dental health.

Crossbites Can Lead To Excessive Tooth Wear

When a front crossbite is present, the upper tooth appears "behind" the lower teeth. If untreated, front tooth crossbite leads to excessive tooth wear.

When a back crossbite is present, the upper tooth is "inside" the lower teeth. Back upper teeth are trapped or tipped towards the tongue. This abnormal tooth position causes your lower jaw to shift. Back crossbites lead to cheek biting, jaw shifting, and the appearance of black space in the corners of your smile.

There Are Different Options To Correct A Crossbite

Braces, Invisalign, or removable expansion appliances can fix crossbites by upper arch expansion.

Visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California (925) 757-9000 to find out how dental arch expansion can eliminate your crossbites. To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Sky's the limit with orthodontic possibilities. Eliminate your crossbites today for ideal dental function, comfort, happiness, and life.

7 Benefits of Invisalign Vivera Retainers

June 29th, 2016

AFTER YOU HAVE FINISHED your Invisalign treatment or orthodontic treatment with braces, it's time to choose a retainer to protect and maintain your beautiful new smile.

Vivera retainers by Invisalign offer many benefits for your busy lifestyle.

7 Benefits of Vivera Retainers

  1. Vivera retainers are clear just like Invisalign so they always look great no matter where your travels may take you.
  2. Vivera retainers don't affect your speech so you can be comfortable wearing them throughout the day or night.
  3. Vivera retainers are strong and do not rip or break easily.
  4. Vivera retainers are smooth and comfortable and will not irritate your lips and mouth.
  5. Vivera retainers fit precisely and are not loose. They are made by the same 3-D digital imaging as Invisalign for a tight fit.
  6. Vivera retainers can be changed when necessary or replaced with a new retainer when lost. In the Vivera retainer program, you will receive four sets of Vivera retainer aligners.
  7. Your Vivera retainer digital tooth image will be stored digitally so you can receive additional trays without additional impressions, scans, or office visits.

We Can Help Find The Retainers That Are Best For You!

If you have questions about Vivera retainers ask us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

It took time and effort to create your beautiful new smile. Whether you are in the classroom or the board room, preserve your smile with Vivera retainers.

"Like Father, Like Son" and Orthognathic Surgery

June 22nd, 2016

WE'VE ALL HEARD the proverb "Like father, like son" to describe the likelihood that a son will have traits like his father in adulthood. This is especially true when it comes to the genetics of jaw growth and need for orthognathic surgery.

Many young men ages 21 and older pursue correction of jaw imbalances during college or shortly after their college years. What frequently happens is Dad then follows with his own orthoganthic surgery. Now, it is "like son, like father."

Orthoganthic Surgery Can Improve Your Bite

When fathers see the beautiful results of their son's orthodontic/orthognathic surgery treatment, they start to think how nice it would be to have their own bite corrected.

Often, a jaw is advanced by orthognathic surgery. This not only corrects the bite, such as a crossbite, but also opens the airway helping to improve breathing and reduce sleep apnea.

A Corrected Bite Opens A Variety Of Options

Once a crossbite is corrected, it is now possible to have crowns and veneers done on the front teeth. Eating will be easier, and you will look gorgeous and feel great.

Orthognathic surgery is usually covered 100% by medical insurance with the exception of a small co-payment. Patients may stay overnight in the hospital and one to three weeks of work medical leave is taken. Patients are usually able to move their jaws after surgery and wear upper jaw lower jaw rubber bands while eating a soft diet for a few weeks of recovery.

If your apple hasn't fallen far from your tree and you would also benefit from orthognathic jaw surgery, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California 925-757-9000. Find us at www.clubbbraces.com.

Board certified orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca and team have completed hundreds of successful orthognathic surgery cases with comfort. We will complete your orthodontic/orthognathic surgery treatment as gently and quickly as possible.

We know your child was a "chip of the old block." It's never too late to do a little "old block" reshaping.

Brides: Invisalign Will Give You a Camera-Ready Smile

June 15th, 2016

FROM THE MOMENT you say "Yes" to the day you say "I Do," Invisalign will give you a radiate and confident smile.

Get Your Smile Ready For Your Big Day!

Your bridal smile will needs to be camera ready. From the engagement day, to the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette party, to your wedding day, you will be smiling ear to ear until it hurts. Make that beautiful smile sparkle by straightening your teeth with Invisalign. You can also whiten your teeth at the same time with Opalescence gel using your Invisalign aligner.

Invisalign Is An Easy Way To Give You An Amazing Smile

Invisalign clear aligners will begin straightening your teeth with the first clear aligner. To straighten your teeth as quickly as possible, add Acceledent or Propel accelerated orthodontics to be able to change your trays every week. Observable tooth straightening will be seen within a few months.

If you have questions about Invisalign, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925)757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Smile with confidence as you prepare for your wedding day. Let your natural beauty and happiness shine through with your camera ready smile.

Deliver Your Smile Ahead of Schedule with Propel Accelerated Orthodontics

June 14th, 2016

WHETHER YOU'RE IN BRACES or wearing Invisalign, the addition of Propel technology can make your teeth move faster and your orthodontic treatment time less.

Propel technology uses a system of micro-osteoperforations to recruit more osteoblasts and osteoclasts, bone remodeling cells, to the areas in your bone around your teeth. This in turn allows bone to remodel faster and your teeth to move more quickly giving you the smile you'd like as soon as possible.

Propel Is A Helpful Orthodontic Tool

Propel technology is extremely helpful in tough orthodontic situations such as moving an impacted canine, uprighting molar teeth, or moving a molar tooth through bone to close space.

The micro-osteoperforations of Propel require no recovery time. The Propel technology can be used with topical anesthetic. It could also be done at the time of impacted tooth exposure, extraction, or wisdom tooth removal. Propel is clinically proven safe and effective.

Propel Can Reduce Your Treatment Time!

Consider Propel if you would like to reduce your orthodontic treatment time and minimize your number of office visits. To find a Propel orthdontist near you, visit the Propel website at www.propelorthodontics.com.

Board certified orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Antioch, California is a Propel provider. Call us at (925)757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com for your accelerated orthodontic care.

Let your smile be delivered ahead of schedule. Propel yourself to a fantastic new smile.

Wearing Orthodontic Elastics is like Rolling a Ball Uphill

June 9th, 2016

WEARING ORTHODONTIC ELASTICS is like rolling a ball uphill. Constant pushing force, 24 hours a day, 7 days per week gets the ball to the top of the hill as quickly as possible.

So it is with orthodontic elastics. If you wear your orthodontic elastics full time, your orthodontic treatment will be fast and completed as quickly as possible.

Neglecting To Wear Elastics Can Slow Treatment

If you let go of a ball on a hill, it will roll back down. If you wear your orthodontic elastics only part time, your teeth will move back towards there original position and your treatment time will take longer.

The light force of your orthodontic elastics has been scientifically proven to be the most physiological and healthy movement of your teeth. This force level is usually 6 1/2 ounces.

Doubling Elastics Can Harm Your Oral Health

DO NOT double your orthodontic elastics! This will cause damage to your teeth, gums, and bone and may even cause you to lose a tooth!

Your orthodontist cannot control how much you will wear your orthodontic elastics. Progress can only be made by you and evaluated from one appointment to the next. This is why treatment time with an orthodontist varies from patient to patient.

If you have questions about orthodontic elastics or orthodontic treatment, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics for a complimentary consultation 925-757-9000. Find us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

Get your teeth to their final destination fast! With orthodontic elastic wear, consistency is queen! Follow your orthodontist's instructions and wear your orthodontic elastics 24/7 for the best orthodontic result in the shortest treatment time possible.

Top image by Flickr user Fuzzy Gerdes used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Moms and Invisalign

June 2nd, 2016

MOMS ARE BUSY. On the go, preparing breakfast, driving to and from school, taking the kids to their orthodontist appointments and after school events, Moms are usually the last people to take take of themselves or straighten their own teeth.

Invisalign Is Perfect For Moms On The Go!

Now, it's Mom's turn for a beautiful smile. And with Mom's busy lifestyle, Invisalign is the perfect solution for tooth straightening.

Invisalign clear aligners are removable and comfortable to wear. The Invisalign aligners allow Mom to eat whatever she wants. They are easy to live with and will not add additional stress to Mom's life.

Invisalign Makes Everyday Oral Care Easy

Because the Invisalign aligners are removable, brushing and flossing will also be normally done to keep Mom's teeth and gums healthy. Mom can come in for Invisalign appointments every 8 to 10 weeks and speed up her treatment with Acceledent to keep the time in the office and time in treatment to a minimum.

If you are interested in getting Invisalign treatment for yourself or the mother in your life, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics for a free orthodontic Invisalign consultation. Call us at (925)757-9000 or find us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

We love Moms!

Here's to Mom's new Invisalign smile!

6 Ways Broadening Your Dental Arch Will Give You a Dazzling Smile

May 27th, 2016

A BROAD DENTAL ARCH FORM is crucial to your beautiful smile.

6 Ways Broadening You Arch Can Improve Your Smile

Here are 6 ways broadening your pear shaped dental arch will give you a dazzling new smile.

1. Arch expansion help to correct overjet and overbite making your bite functional.

2. Expansion of dental arches eliminates crossbites which cause cheek biting.

3. Expansion of dental arches helps correct the front to back relationship of your bite.

4. Expansion of dental arches creates space for tooth alignment.

5. Expansion of dental arches makes the canine teeth look beautiful.

6. Expansion of dental arches eliminates black corridors from the corners of your mouth giving you a full and beautiful smile.

Comprehensive orthodontic treatment by an orthodontist with braces or Invisalign expands dental arches.

We'd Love To Answer Your Questions!

If you have questions about expansion of your pear shaped dental arches, call us at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925)757-9000 for a complimentary consultation. Visit us at www.clubbraces.com in Antioch, California.

Your broad dental arches are sure to light up the room. Here's to your dazzling new smile.

Missing One Lateral Incisor: Your Treatment Options

May 20th, 2016

PARENTS OFTEN ASK orthodontists what to do if their child is missing one upper lateral incisor.

There Are Two Options For Restoring Your Smile

Missing one lateral incisor makes your smile asymmetrical. There are two options for restoring a symmetrical smile when missing one incisor:

Option 1: Extract the other lateral incisor and close the space

This options is often the treatment of choice for young children. Lateral incisor extraction prevents and need for a future implant, and minimizes time, money, and discomfort.

Option 2: Placement of one implant

A single tooth lateral incisor implant can be placed at adulthood, usually at age 19. The teenager may spend time in a Maryland bridge tooth replacement or a tooth replacement retainer until the time the implant is placed.

It is difficult to match the color, luster, size, and gum contour of a single lateral implant. This option will take more time, money, and additional procedures. It will however eliminate tooth extraction and in some cases give a broader smile.

We Can Help You Compare Choices

Your orthodontist will help you compare and contrast these two treatment choices to decide which is best for you and your family.

Extraction vs. Implant

These cases were treated by Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch, California. Call us today to schedule a complimentary consultation if you have questions regarding missing one lateral incisor.

Most parents, patients, and orthodontists prefer Option 1. Here's to recovering your missing tooth and your symmetrical smile.

Top image by Flickr user PROromana klee used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Open Bite: Which Came First, the Chicken or the Egg?

May 6th, 2016

WHEN IT COMES TO OPEN BITE, which came first, the tongue thrust or the open bite?

An Open Bite Can Make Swallowing More Difficult

With an anterior open bite, it is more difficult to seal off the front of the mouth during swallowing. There is "lip incompetence", the lips often do not come together easily, and the tongue must compensate by coming forward to make swallowing possible.

To illustrate this point, try this simple exercise:

  1. Place your two fingers between your upper and lower front teeth
  2. Try to swallow

Viola! You have a tongue thrust!

"A tongue thrust swallow therefore is more likely to be the result of displaced incisors, not the cause."
- Dr. William R. Profitt

The tongue pressure during swallowing simply has too short a duration to have an impact on tooth position. Pressure by the tongue on the teeth during a typical swallow lasts for 1 second. An individual swallows 800 times per day and fewer times during sleep. One thousand seconds of pressure equals only a few minutes and is not nearly enough time or pressure to affect tooth position equilibrium.

Orthodontic Treatment Can Help Tongue Thrust

The good news is, orthodontic treatment for open bite can make your tongue thrust go away. If you are an adult, orthodontic treatment of your open bite often requires tooth extraction, tissue anchorage devices (TADS), or orthognathic surgery.

This case was treated by Board Certified orthodontist, Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Find us at www.clubbbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000 if you have questions about tongue thrust and open bite.

Open bite came first and then tongue thrust. Eliminate your open bite today and make your tongue thrust a thing of the past.

Protect Your Face When Playing Baseball

April 22nd, 2016

WE DON’T THINK OF baseball as a contact sport. Yet, baseball is the sports leader in facial injuries to children and teenagers.

The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) of the Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that more than a quarter million children ages 5 to 14 are injured playing baseball each year.

Stray Baseballs Can Do A Lot Of Damage

Along with basketball, baseball accounts for nearly half of all sports-related injuries. An estimated 50,000+ baseball facial injuries occur each year to players ages 5 to 15 which required emergency room treatment.

Catastrophic injuries also occur when baseball players are struck in the head with the ball or bat. As small as this number is, baseball still has the highest fatality rate among all sports.

If your child plays baseball, please have your child wear safety gear including a facemask helmet and a sports mouth guard.

Proper Sports Protection Is Key To Avoiding Injury

Orthodontist, Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca has seen many children lose teeth due to baseball related injuries when mouth guards are not worn. These accidents include teeth being hit by a foul ball or a ball bouncing up and hitting the player in the mouth. She recommends that every baseball or softball player wear a mouth guard at all times when playing the sport.

We Can Help Your Athlete With Their Home Run Smile!

If you have questions about custom made sports mouth guards or tooth straightening with or witout a facial injury, please call Dr. Gorczyca at (925) 757-9000 in Antioch, California for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation. Find us at www.clubbraces.com.

Let your child play and be safe at the next baseball or softball game. Provide a helmet and mouth guard. Give your child the benefit of facial protection.

Your Fountain of Youth, an Invisalign Smile Makeover

March 29th, 2016

NEW SMILE, NEW YOU. Your Invisalign smile makeover will take years off of your appearance, make you feel young again, and give you a reason to smile.

Invisalign Is An Easy Way To Improve Your Smile

Invisalign is a fast and easy way to correct your bite, tooth position, and smile to prepare your teeth for your gorgeous smile makeover.

Invisalign is a comprehensive orthodontic treatment. Combined with the wearing of orthodontic rubber bands, Invisalign will move your teeth and correct your bite to make your smile ideal.

Invisalign And AcceleDent Can Drastically Reduce Treatment Time

Orthodontic treatment combined with the technology of AcceleDent can cut your Invisalign treatment time in half giving you a fantastic bite and smile in less than two years.

We Can Help With Your Smile Makeover

This case was completed by Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca and General Dentist Dr. Jeffrey Haug of Antioch, California. Both doctors are located at the Deer Valley Dental Professional Building, 5201 Deer Valley Road in Antioch, California.

For a complimentary orthodontic consultation and information about your smile makeover, visit us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925) 757-9000.

Turn back time with Invisalign and a smile makeover today. Here's to your beautiful and youthful smile.

Seven is the Magic Number for an Orthodontic Examination

September 9th, 2015

SEVEN IS THE PERFECT AGE for a child’s first orthodontic examination. Screening at age seven assures that your child’s smile will be healthy and look it’s best for the longest time possible.

Early Detection Can Help Long-term Orthodontic Health

Orthodontic treatment at age seven can minimize the need for more extensive procedures such as extraction of permanent teeth in the future. Straight teeth at age seven will also help with your child's self-esteem— a fragile asset that’s so important when growing up.

What to Expect at the Seven Year Orthodontic Exam

At the seven year orthodontic exam, your orthodontist will evaluate:
1. Overjet and facial profile
2. Overbite and jaw function
3. Underbite and tooth wear
4. Openbite, breathing, and oral habits
5. Crowding, spacing, rotations and tooth alignment
6. Symmmetry and facial balance
7. Crossbite and functional shifts

Be sure to seek early treatment if your child has:
1. Snoring or mouth breathing
2. Difficulty chewing, cheek biting, or jaw shifting
3. Thumb sucking, lip biting, or finger habits
4. Crowding or missing teeth
5. Speech problems
6. Grinding or excessive tooth wear
7. Crooked, spaced, or crowded teeth

This case was treated by Board Certified orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca of Antioch, California. Find us at www.clubbraces.com or call us at (925)757-9000 for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation. To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Give your child a great smile. For your child's first orthodonic exam, seven is the magic number.

Top image by Flickr user Sebastien Wiertz used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Mystery of the Missing Tooth at Downing Street

October 8th, 2014

THE YEAR IS 1997. The place is Whitehall, Central London. At age 43, the youngest Prime Minister since Lord Liverpool of 1812 emerges from 10 Downing Street to make his first official appearance and announce his manifesto to an adoring crowd.

But There’s A Mystery To Be Solved...

Where is Tony Blair’s lower tooth?

Upon closer examination, an astute and logical orthodontist deduces that Tony Blair’s lower tooth is significantly crowded out of the dental arch. This tooth is pushed towards his tongue giving him the appearance of a missing tooth.

More significant, if left untreated, his lower teeth will continue to crowd giving him the appearance of the oldest Prime Minister in British History, Henry John Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston, age 71.

It’s Simple To Fix...

Significant lower tooth crowding can be simple for you to fix with orthodontic treatment.

If there is excessive lower front tooth width (Bolton Discrepancy), one lower tooth may be removed to restore straightness and give you the appearance of a beautiful smile.

Make Room For A Beautiful Smile

No one up close or in a crowd will ever notice that one of your lower teeth has been removed. Only your orthodontist or dentist will know for sure.

Talk To Us About What Orthodontic Treatment Can Do For Your Smile

Let your teeth help you look your age or younger. Consider orthodontic treatment today and straighten your lower front teeth. Help your teeth look young, like the youngest British Prime Minister in History, William Pitt the Young, 1783, age 24.

This case was treated by Board Certified Orthodontist Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Gorczyca Orthodontics, Antioch, California. To schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation, call us at (925) 757-9000 or visit us at www.clubbraces.com

More Topics
diplomate american board of orthodontics Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists advanced education in orthdontics
member american association of orthodontists seattle study club american dental association california dental association
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